SCI collaborates with Plunify, Optic2Connect for IC design

Silicon Cloud International Pte. Ltd. (SCI) has staged its cloud-based platform for chip design at the Design Automation Conference (DAC), together with its design ecosystem partners Plunify and Optic2Connect.

The SCI focuses on establishing secure cloud computing centres for scientific and engineering applications across the world. Leveraging virtualisation technology, its private cloud and thin client architecture is geared towards establishing a security model for semiconductor ecosystem providers and users.

Where timing closure proves to be the biggest challenge in designing FPGAs, Plunify's InTime software tool uses data analytics and machine learning to solve timing, area and power issues.

As a plugin to major FPGA tools, the tool generates optimised strategies to solve design problems. It also learns from every build to improve results over time, while utilising unused compute resources to efficiently run builds.

This patented technology enables FPGA designers to dramatically accelerate design workflows—saving time and money in the process. Running on the SCI platform, Plunify has demonstrated how the software solves FPGA timing problems, and recommended strategies for timing, area or power performance targets.

Optic2Connect for optical modulator solutions

Optic2Connect's software solutions are designed to address the need to simplify modulator design for the burgeoning silicon photonics market.

As designs become more complex, simulation tools need to scale with regard to fidelity and accuracy. Optic2Connect provides an end-to-end solution to address exacting demands for modulator design. This ensures acceleration in prototype manufacturing and lowering of production costs. Additionally, with Optic2Connect's modelling and simulation solutions running on either cloud / stand-alone or SCI ecosystems, the traditional roadblocks of insufficient servers / licences, especially during periods of peak demand, are circumvented.

"Conventional design platforms are resource and capital intensive—putting them out of the reach of many universities," noted Mojy Chian, CEO for SCI. "By creating a solution that provides a secure, scalable and cost-effective platform for chip design, we are creating a paradigm shift—and changing the way IC design is done."